Read AFL Media’s player-by-player preview of the Crows’ midfield group on the eve of the 2015 season.
Rory Atkins
Talented left-footer who performed consistently well in the SANFL last year and nearly broke through for an AFL debut. Was having a stellar pre-season until he injured his knee, which will mean a delayed start to the season.
Brad Crouch
A quickly emerging superstar, Crouch rebounded amazingly last year from an Achilles injury and then a broken leg. He is tough on the inside, polished on the outer and hasn't put a foot wrong all pre-season.
Matt Crouch
Although more as an inside midfielder at West Lakes, the younger of the Crouch brothers has no trouble getting his hands on the ball. Ankle surgery in January was a setback but he is back into full training.
Patrick Dangerfield
One of the game's brightest stars, Dangerfield's power is almost unmatched in the AFL. He's a game-winner who has recovered from a knee injury but will endure constant speculation about his future until he decides whether to stay or leave at season's end.
Richard Douglas
The 2010 winner of the Malcolm Blight Medal as the Club's best and fairest, Douglas finished last year relatively strongly and has not missed a beat this pre-season. A crucial player when firing.
Cam Ellis-Yolmen
It has taken Ellis-Yolmen a number of seasons to develop but he is beginning to find the consistency required at the top level. He's a quick but big-bodied midfielder and was one of the Club's best last Thursday night against Geelong with 23 disposals.
Mitch Grigg
A classy left-footer who usually makes good decisions when in passion, Grigg is entering his fourth year at West Lakes and needs to take the next step and play regular senior football.
Sam Jacobs
He benefited greatly last year from losing weight and was able to accumulate more possessions around the ground. A minor knee injury was a slight setback earlier this year but his fitness has improved and he will be ready to go for round one.
Sam Kerridge
Probably the fittest player at West Lakes and it allows him to play a variety of roles. He is good up forward, can run with players and holds his own in the midfield. A flawless pre-season has him placed to demand more senior games in 2015.
Riley Knight: A quality wingman/half-forward whose debut season in the SANFL last year almost pushed him into the senior side. Unfortunately an ankle injury has set him back and he will face a late start to the season.
Luke Lowden
After finally making his debut for Hawthorn last year the ruckman was traded to Adelaide where he needs to pressure Sam Jacobs for a place in the side. He can play up front in attack, which helps his cause.
Jarryd Lyons
Turned down offers to join a Victorian side last year to stay and his pre-season form has suggested he will throw everything at season 2015. In both NAB Challenge games he has been in the top five for Crows' possessions.
David Mackay
Has a firm grasp on the title of Adelaide's premier wingman. Is fast and has great skills on the outside. He's recovered from a minor hamstring strain, which recently robbed him of a few weeks' training.
Reilly O'Brien
The draftee ruckman impressed everyone in Adelaide's first NAB Challenge game against North Melbourne with 14 hit-outs, as well as some strong marks around the ground. Likely to spend the year in the SANFL.
Rory Sloane
A champion player who thrives on contests and lifts when the going gets tough. He is one of the Club's most important players and has enjoyed a great pre-season, but is yet to re-sign with the Club.
Scott Thompson
The veteran has had an interrupted pre-season because of hip surgery and more recently a hamstring injury. But his experience will help him recover quickly and as he showed last year, has got plenty left to offer.
Nathan van Berlo
Missed last year with a ruptured Achilles but has returned in the NAB Challenge this year and has his sights set on round one. He has trained fully since day one of pre-season. His on-field leadership and experience will prove hugely important in Adelaide's midfield.
Anthony Wilson
Rated the fastest player outside the AFL before the Crows drafted him, Wilson can play up on a wing or deeper in attack. He will have to develop his game before commanding regular game time in the AFL, but has taken well to a full-time football environment.
Matthew Wright
A natural footballer who has played several different roles over the years, from small forward to midfielder to tagger. Great pre-season will hold him in good stead to try to cement his place in the side.
